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2016 Social Justice Leadership Summit
Forty-four Upper School students devoted an entire Saturday to the deep exploration of critical issues related to identity and social inequality. Whether seated in a large circle in the Fireplace Commons or breaking out into smaller groups, the SJLS provided a safe environment to share and openly discuss experiences, opinions and feelings about challenging topics, often uncomfortable to confront. Activities included an inspiring Ted Talk entitled The Danger of a Single Story by Chimamanda Adichie and ‘fishbowl’ discussions where participants hone their listening and empathy skills.
Students who returned to SJLS for a second or third time participated in Ally Workshops aimed at encouraging and enabling students to use the SJLS experience to support and advocate for others. Returning ‘Allies’ serve as mentors to students experiencing SJLS for the first time—a unique opportunity to develop their own leadership within a multicultural context.
In one parent’s words: It was one of my daughter’s most meaningful experiences at St. Luke’s. This Summit really did break down the social barriers, facades and exposed the reality that everyone has so much going on beneath the surface… we all have so much in common although our outward appearance and struggles may appear different. There is much more going on than we could ever imagine.
Read more about social justice at St. Luke’s in Opening Eyes by Dr. Bramlett. Claire Wilson ‘17 also shared her perspective in a recent Sentinel article. More photos from SJLS can be viewed here.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
